Finally, in this post I clarify how time is useful in overcoming challenges but it is in how we choose to use that time, not the time in and of itself. Essentially, I frame time as a resource, among others, that must be applied strategically.

Of course, the action chosen makes a significant impact. Choose wisely. Consider moving forward with an experimental mindset and adjust the course of actions adroitly.

 

Time Changes Nothing

Time is an artificial construct. Still, there are natural seasons and obvious cycles of time. Perhaps we have emphasized it too much. We mark time. Sometimes we keep time. On many anniversaries, we celebrate its passage. We measure our performance against time. Time is so central to human experience we often expect people to experience it in similar ways. In other words, we evaluate what is normal, and not, by time. When we have a loss or an illness, time is expected to heal all the hurt. That’s a lot of pressure on time.

The passage of time plays a significant role in how we navigate our life. That’s clear. It may be more useful for us to shift our thinking and the manner in which we utilize and apply time.cus to how we use time?

Time changes when we choose 

Who do we want to be? Who are we working to become? These are important questions to explore as we consider how to use time.

Most of us fall into the trap of thinking it is simply about discovering who we are. Finding our identity. In fact, we all make choices. Often we make them subconsciously or even unconsciously. Just the same, we become who we want to be or who we chose to be, we don’t simply find our self. I recall the first time someone told me this perspective isn’t authentic. What does authentic mean then? Why would I settle for the person I am based on the influence of people or circumstances early in my life. People in my proximity and the influence of society shapes me. What makes them the only influences allowed to impact who I am? Ultimately, is that what I want to be reduced to? Why can’t I choose. Why can’t that be authentically me?!

Time as resource

I was a partner in a wellness centre in the 90’s. At one point, as Director of Operations, I was contacted about creating a conference for bankers. I was surprised with some of their asks. At the heart of it, they wanted to explore how to reduce the burnout rate of the senior managers and executives. As my team and I explored the current state, it became apparent the common experience with time was a source of stress.

Ultimately, we concluded we could help by shifting the way participants viewed time. In preparation we interviewed a select group and surveyed a broader set and repeatedly heard time described as a commodity. In fact, many talked about time as something they had to sacrifice – paying a price – to succeed.  This remains a common theme today.

It turns out examining the described problem with a fresh set of eyes, we realized our clients were putting in time rather than enjoying their career. Moreover, they were viewing the experience as an exercise in survival.

We made a point of sharing a fresh perspective, positioning time as a change agent. Every facilitator, regardless of the modality they were introducing, or sharing, would frame time in the resource category.

We realized when we conducted a post assessment three months after the conference that it stuck. Participants reflected on how they grabbed time and leveraged time as a resource. We built on their belief it was a commodity, we simply shifted their perspective to see it as a helpful resource rather than a noose around their neck. They learned breathing techniques and powerful ways to connect the cognitive, heart-felt and instinctive body experiences while shifting their thinking about time. Essentially, re-positioning this commonly misunderstood element was the genius of the conference.

 

Time Heals Nothing

Time alone changes nothing. Therefore, time alone does not have the capacity to heal anything.

When a person we love dies, time doesn’t heal it. A lost friendship is not made better by time. Problems at work that are not solved don’t magically improve when we leave them alone to heal.

In the section above I make the point about how time is a resource and how we use it matters. It is equally important to remember that by ignoring problems, time is not our friend.

Time may dull the pain in every issue I mention above. Time doesn’t teach us anything without an intervention. The passage of time doesn’t even make us wiser. We need a strategy. What’s a strategy? It’s a series of choices. Moreover, it is a system to evaluate those choices in progress.

Time heals nothing, but as I mention earlier it is a resource worth every bit of our attention. Be careful not to squander it and be wise enough not to make it the sacrificial lamb for something that doesn’t matter. This all breaks down into three repeatable steps:

1. Review more than a handful of options and made a strategic choice around time
2. Determine a way to assess whether this use of time is delivering as anticipated and desired.
3. Adjust as necessary and review new options for next round.

Time changes nothing but each one of us has time to choose wise options and adjust when necessary. Put it to use.

 

Time changes outcomes when time is used wisely. The BYI system explores elements that impact our performance, influencing the outcomes we produce. Moreover, becoming aware of who we are being that produces the results in our life is a consequence of the choices we made and how we execute on those choices. Ultimately, creating the life we want starts the actions we take.

Furthermore, to get what we truly want in life, we need to be willing to persist, seek help, and continually look for transferable learning opportunities. Additionally, we need to be willing to question our choices and expand our options through healthy curiosity and a search for unique perspectives. Moreover, identifying and nurturing our identity is the place to start.

A healthy meaningful and full life is made possible with clarity about our values, beliefs, patterns and habits. Additionally, our quality of life is influenced and shaped by our unique blend of strengths and inclinations. Undoubtedly, a growth mindset and open-minded approach are foundations to sustaining this healthy sense of self.

 

The System

The current system incorporates 1:1 coaching, roundtable conversations; eventually I’ll add a neuro-social learning experience (currently only available in organizational contracts but will be added to the system for individual engagement in 2021).

My approach is based on the ICF (International Coaching Federation) standards. I’m meeting you (my clients) where you are, both as the coaching agreement begins, and in the moment that exists at the time of each conversation. Progress or growth is not a straight line. The ICA model is the framework for every conversation: Issue/Insight, Choice/Commitment, Action/Accountability. Over the past year I’ve been tightening the model to meet the needs of my clients.

Holding space to support my clients in:

• Developing meaningful insights
• Expanding/deepening perspective on those insights
• Building/designing a practice to try on new ways of being/seeing OR experiment for discovery
• Assessing progress, becoming agile in transfer of learning and application before developing additional insights

An organic experience

The experience is tailored around what you bring to each conversation, in my experience, there are common themes that arise including: self-awareness, mindfulness, mindset, communication, connections, and attitude. Self-awareness stands alone but is also a foundational theme. I have registered upwards of 40 sub-concepts that fit under each of these categories. Furthermore, I bring tools, skills and techniques to respond and guide our work together, informed by positive psychology, neuroscience, and management/leadership research.

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In all my blog posts in 2019, you will find this section outlines what brought me to this area of focus: supporting people in the early to middle part of their career as a #performance #coach.

 

 

 

With the skills to unpack the emotions and barriers and triggers and mindset challenges with the skills in my BYI system, participants begin to see the impact in their career and finally begin to discover what matters most to them. The bonus: they begin to see a path to get there. Join me…

 

My system is intended to be meaningful, relevant, accessible and affordable. With that in mind, there are many ways to engage with me. Below are TWO ways to start, without spending a dime.

• BOOK a complimentary exploratory 1:1 conversation 20-30 minutes.
• SUBSCRIBE to my mailing list. You’ll receive an interactive exercise that you may use to reduce and manage stress or feelings of overwhelm. PLUS each week you’ll receive my podcast and reflections in your inbox AND you’ll be invited to monthly webinars and roundtable conversations.

In closing, I love bringing learning experiences to workplaces that are interested in raising their performance and encouraging their people.

• Book me to speak at your conference or to a group in your organization. My workshops on building resilience, improving workplace outcomes through relationships, and increasing performance are big hits! In 2020 I’ve added a few workshops on gender engagement – how, by knocking off the boxes that limit us by gender we all find our capacity expands.